Most followers of KLAA varsity girls volleyball know all about Plymouth veterans such as senior middle hitter Olivia Beyer and outside hitter Lauren Clemons, among others.

But they also are quickly finding out that the Wildcats' talent cupboard is stocked with up-and-coming talents as the team looks to gain traction in the KLAA South Division — particularly to take on campus rival Canton and perennial stalwart Livonia Churchill.

Consider junior libero Charley Irvin, who Plymouth head coach Sarah Marody noted "has instantly found her niche" with the squad.

"He ability to read the ball of the hand of the hitters and take charge on the left side compliments the efforts of our senior middle backs. she has stepped in immediately and has already made an impact," said Marody, about Irvin. "We are really looking to be defensive minded this year and build our system around the connection between Charley and our seniors."

Other juniors who already are making their presence known include setters Brianna Risi, Alex Barry, defensive specialist Taylor Smith and outside hitter MacKenzie Cashero.

The Wildcats also are getting a boost from sophomore right-side hitter Jordyn Kuchka and sophomore middle hitter Lydia Bell, who the coach said "have already shown that they are here to make an impact. They have give us key contributions in our first games and are ready to be the big future of our program."

One returnee who is part of that future is sophomore outside hitter/middle hitter Jordan Schamp, who Marody said "played middle for us as a freshman but has made a seamless switch to the outside."

Schamp is cut out of the same cloth as Clemons (one of the captains along with Beyer and senior defensive specialist Katie Stevens), as both "are explosive, athletic and can play multiple positions. Their versatility and positive team attitude creat depth for us."

Veterans set tone

Of course, most teams can't go wrong with outstanding seniors, the kind Plymouth has in Louisiana State University-bound Beyer and several others.

"Her leadership is unmatched, she's a class act," Marody stressed. "Olivia's quick offense and ability to place the ball from anywhere on the court from any type of set is nicely complimented by her strong defense and her ability to read the oppositions offense and place her self squarely behind the ball.

"There's no limit to this young lady's talent and work ethic and leadership."

"They have made tremendous improvements in their overall game and are ready to step up as blocking leaders and offensive threats," Marody continued. "Each girl brings a different set of strengths to the court, only increasing the depth we have at each position."

And don't forget about defensive dynamos such as Stevens, senior Aleah Rogalski and senior Payton Petruski.

Stevens and Rogalski "will be setting our defensive standard by providing speed on our serve receive and quality first touches. They have a huge responsibility setting the tone for how our offensive game is going to run on any given night."

Meanwhile, Marody credited the way Petruski has "stepped up to lead this team. She is working hard to connect with her hitters again and take advantage of our strengths as well as learn how to expose the other team's weakness."